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Kuemper Switches To Konekts, Both Capitals Goalies In Laceless Skates

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Washington Capitals Darcy Kuemper

ARLINGTON, V.A. — With a big smile, Washington Capitals goaltender Darcy Kuemper looks down at his new skates, the Bauer Konekts.

The skates are becoming more popular as more pros experiment with the laceless skates. Capitals netminder Charlie Lindgren was the first pro to wear them in-season.

At camp, Lindgren stuck with the one-piece skates, which have ski-inspired buckles instead of laces. Kuemper followed suit, though Lindgren didn’t have to talk him into it. The 2022 Stanley Cup champion had been eyeing the skates for a while, but said it was easier to switch over with Lindgren’s endorsement.

“I’ve been wanting to try them for a little bit,” Kuemper mused. “It did help that [Charlie] had them. He had a lot of good things to say about them. Once I tried them, I really like them.”

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The 32-year-old said that the skates allow for more ankle mobility and help him with his pushes thanks to the edge support.

“They’re just super comfortable and having that ankle mobility, it’s really easy to grab your edges,” Kuemper said. “I think it’s a little bit easier on your body as well.”

Kuemper made his Capitals debut in a 2-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Friday. He was perfect in his first game, stopping all nine shots against. He will play in Wednesday’s home game against the Red Wings, though it’s unclear as of now if he’ll also play in the preseason finale.

Since 2017-18, Kuemper has led all netminders with at least 150 games played in save percentage (.921). He has also already formed a close bond with Lindgren, who will play his first full NHL campaign this season in D.C.